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The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), in partnership with Iowa State University's Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology, conducted a 2018 survey of federal scientists to evaluate the state of scientific integrity and the work environment in science-based government agencies. The survey targeted 16 specific agencies, including the EPA, NOAA, and the Department of Energy, using a methodology designed to ensure participant anonymity through randomized access codes and the redaction of identifying information. The results, intended for public release in summer 2018, aim to inform policy improvements and ensure independent science informs government decision-making.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) surveyed over 1,600 federal climate scientists in 2006 to investigate the state of climate research at U.S. federal agencies. The survey targeted agencies including NASA, NOAA, EPA, USGS, USDA, DOE, and DOD, using the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) as a non-federal control group to measure political interference. Out of the surveys mailed, 308 were completed (a 19 percent response rate), consisting of 279 from federal agencies and 29 from NCAR. The respondent pool was highly qualified, with 80 percent holding a Ph.D. and over half having more than 10 years of experience at their current agencies.